November 29, 2011 – Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced the selection of Gogo as its partner to bring Inmarsat’s Global Xpress™ satellite service to the commercial airline market. Gogo will be a service provider, distributing Global Xpress service to the global commercial aviation market. Inmarsat has also selected Gogo’s business aviation subsidiary, Aircell, as a distribution partner for the business and government aviation markets.

“With Gogo onboard as a service provider, we’ve rounded out our team to deliver Global Xpress to the commercial aviation market, starting in 2013,” said Leo Mondale, Managing Director of Inmarsat GX. “The superior performance and economics of Global Xpress versus any other satellite solution in the aviation marketplace uniquely position us to support passenger connectivity across commercial and business aviation markets, on a sustainable basis. The combination of the Inmarsat Ka- and L-band satellite technologies with Gogo’s air-to-ground service will support adoption of superior connectivity solutions across entire airline fleets in a way that really makes sense. We see a major commercial opportunity for Global Xpress in aviation services, which will in turn support the future growth of Inmarsat.”

Working with Inmarsat, Gogo will begin in-flight testing of the Global Xpress aeronautical services after the launch of the first Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is scheduled for mid-2013. Gogo plans to offer regional service in 2013 with services for air transport, business aviation and government customers expected worldwide later in 2014.

Inmarsat’s Global Xpress service will allow Gogo to utilize the first global Ka-band solution, which is expected to bring significantly improved performance to the global aero market in terms of coverage, capacity and cost. With expected transmission speeds up to 50 megabits per second, Global Xpress will power a solution that provides a high-performing satellite experience for passengers and airlines alike.

“We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it’s the first scalable global solution in the market. Inmarsat has assembled an incredible team and we are highly confident in the execution plan we’ve put in place,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO. “One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners; regardless of aircraft size or mission. By partnering with Inmarsat, we are able to add an important piece to our technology puzzle.”

“Gogo is a leader in in-flight connectivity in terms of installing aircraft, managing bandwidth and driving customer adoption,” added Mondale. “We are excited to work with Gogo and all of our partners to bring Global Xpress to the aero market.”

Gogo and its subsidiary, Aircell, will also be appointed as a SwiftBroadband distribution partner for the aeronautical markets.

Gogo is a leading provider of in-air global satellite connectivity solutions for business aviation through Aircell, with more than 5,000 aircraft in service. Aircell has already installed equipment that utilizes Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband solution for global connectivity service on more than 100 business aircraft.

As usual, the recent NBAA is a source of great story material if bizjets are your thing. Without a doubt, IFE takes a backseat to connectivity at this show, but the business aviation community is all about technology and its value to businesses. One theme that rings true for bizjets (and, no doubt commercial aviation) is “No Plane, No Gain”. While the value of business aircraft and their political ramifications are usually discussed in a “wink, wink, nod, nod” manner by us mortals, they do have their place in business. As an example, the growing business aviation market in China has not escaped the eye of Boeing and Airbus, and thus readers, we thought you might like to check out some of the presentations that will color the future of commercial connectivity.

The NBAA usually has a very robust presentation/panel discussion effort and the 64th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas was no different. Topics from flight safety to aircraft leasing are routinely covered. Of the 32 panel discussion/presentation meetings, we found a few very interesting as they chart a course for inflight connectivity options and practices. We really liked the downloadable PDF’s describing satcom connectivity – “NBAA Connecting Your Aircraft with Satellite Communications: The Equipment Providers” & “NBAA All the Satellite Communication Services You Want: The Multi-Service Providers”; and yes, the Grand Dame of IFE Satellite Connectivity, Elizabeth Young, presided over both. We contacted Liz and she told IFExpress: “Business jets are often the leaders in adapting and adopting new technology.  At this year’s NBAA convention, there was keen interest from the biz jet community in how Inmarsat and Iridium and the manufacturers who offer associated avionics and IFE services are expanding the options for aircraft owners and operators.  While the coming of Ka-band services globally attracted attention, improvements in existing L-band and Ku-band services was also a ‘hot topic’.” In all, 8 PDF’s that tell a good story in total of the present condition of inflight data connectivity, voice, text messaging, and TV for the bizjet environments.

If the next generation of bizjet equipment (avionics, non-IFE and USA slanted) is your thing, try this panel presentation – “NBAA NexGen Equippage”

At the show Thrane & Thrane delivered an interesting bizjet price point factoid about their newest satcom data system, AVIATOR, that seemed relevant to the world of inflight connectivity: “2 years ago, 128Kbps of data would have cost $500,000.00. Today, you can get 200Kbps at well under $100,000.00 for an AVIATOR 200 installed!” Now, if you just had a bizjet.

As an aside, the NBAA and pilot/owner members participate in a charity service that cannot be matched, Angel Flight. The free service helps those who need medical attention at remote locations who would not be able to afford or could not travel on commercial aircraft. We also note that the NBAA has come out publicly at the show against a new per-flight user taxes against non-recreational aircraft operators on top of the per-gallon fee on aircraft fuel ($100/flight). Bolen Tells Lawmakers: Industry Supports NextGen, But Not User Fees | NBAA – National Business Aviation Association

And now for something completely different:

IFExpress has been looking quite sometime for a technically updated description of the latest Wi-Fi networks, sans equations. There seems to be little out there that is technical enough but still readable in one setting. Not any more thanks to Ars Technica so we thought we would share it with our readers.

Don’t forget the APEX TC.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL [LABACE 2011] | August 10, 2011 –- Aircell, the world’s leading provider of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, announces that two members of its global dealer network have received separate installation certifications for AVIATOR 300 and AVIATOR 350 systems from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). A significant milestone in the worldwide proliferation of in-flight connectivity for business aviation, these new certifications represent the first-ever approvals of SwiftBroadband-based communications systems in Brazil.

Aircell’s AVIATOR-series products, powered by Thrane & Thrane, enable global email, light Internet and voice capabilities via Inmarsat’s satellite-based SwiftBroadband service.

“Aircell is proud to be bringing the productivity-enhancing benefits of SwiftBroadband to Brazil for the very first time,” said John Wade, Aircell’s executive vice president & general manager. “The diversity of these two new installations – one in a light jet and the other in a transport-category aircraft – are shining examples of SwiftBroadband’s capability, the flexibility of the AVIATOR equipment packages, and the expertise of Aircell’s global dealer & distributor network. The customers are thrilled to have the very latest technology aboard their aircraft,” concluded Wade. Following are details of the two recent system certifications in Brazil.

· An AVIATOR 350 system was installed and certified aboard an Airbus ACJ319 in VVIP configuration by Avionics Services of Sao Paulo. AVIATOR 350 incorporates a High Gain Antenna (HGA) that enables near-global coverage and connection speeds up to 432 kbps. Incorporating an exclusive Iridium/Inmarsat filter solution, the system was fully integrated with the Aircell Axxess cabin system and included cockpit data capabilities. Joao Batista Vernini, Director and CEO of Avionics Services, said, “This VVIP customer is one of the most demanding we’ve ever worked with and the AVIATOR system met all of their expectations. The system has performed flawlessly and they are very happy with the connectivity & communications benefits it provides them,” he concluded.
· An AVIATOR 300 system was installed and certified aboard a Cessna Citation CJ3 by TAM Aviação Executiva at its Sao Paulo facility. AVIATOR 300 incorporates an Intermediate Gain Antenna (IGA) that enables near-global coverage and connection speeds up to 332 kbps. Roberto Fajardo, GM & Director of Maintenance at TAM Aviação Executiva, said, “The customer is a traditional corporate flight department and they are very pleased to have a system that is affordable, small enough to fit on their aircraft, and capable of giving passengers access to Internet and e-mail in flight. Demand for Aircell’s SwiftBroadband products is rising – more quotes are being requested and we’re about to begin an installation for another customer.”

In addition to the aftermarket, the AVIATOR 300 system is also very popular in the OEM market. The system has now been selected for 12 factory airframe programs, including those at Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace.

Aircell is displaying its in-flight connectivity range at LABACE 2011 in Sao Paulo this week, Stand #2025. There are a significant number of aircraft in the show’s static display that have one or more Aircell connectivity systems aboard, allowing attendees to see them up close. Aircell will also be tweeting from the show – follow @AircellBizav by visiting www.twitter.com/aircellbizav.

ITASCA, IL. | August 3, 2011 –- Gogo, the world’s leading provider of in-flight connectivity and an innovator in in-flight entertainment, today announced the official launch of its new streaming video product – Gogo VisionTM – onboard American Airlines’ entire fleet of 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft. American is the first North American airline to offer Gogo Vision to travelers.

Gogo Vision enables customers to wirelessly stream content such as movies and TV shows from an onboard server to Wi-Fi enabled laptops during flight.

“We definitely believe this is a game-changer in the world of in-flight entertainment,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer. “Gogo Vision is a low-cost, light-weight, easy-to-install solution that’s very different from traditional IFE. The result is the airlines now have both choice and flexibility on a per fleet basis.”

Gogo Vision features a growing list of movies and TV shows from major Hollywood studios to offer customers entertainment choices. Customers can sort titles by movie or TV, genre, length of feature, and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to renting content. Movies and TV shows will remain accessible for viewing after the customer has landed – movies for 24 hours and TV shows for 72 hours. Unexpired rentals will be available for playback on the ground by using the same device and browser used onboard.

“We’ve been deeply involved in developing the concept of streaming video with Gogo, as part of our vision of continuing to elevate the travel experience by pushing the envelope with our inflight entertainment offerings,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President – Marketing. “We continue to execute this strategy and lead in this space by making prudent investments in innovative, cutting-edge technologies. During this initial phase of launch, Entertainment On Demand allows customers to access content through select personal Wi-Fi enabled laptops, and in the coming months Gogo intends to make tablets and other devices available for use with the product.”

Gogo Vision is primarily available on transcontinental flights between New York JFK and Los Angeles and JFK and San Francisco – for the introductory price of $.99 per TV show and $3.99 per movie. Customers do not have to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi to purchase a movie or TV show.

Let’s start out this week with a new Aircell aeronautical equipment package for Swift Broadband service that’ll roll out at EBACE 2010 in Geneva this week. Two featurers of the new hardware are Thrane & Thrane’s new AVIATOR 200 and a very interesting antenna. Here’s the skinny on the radios for our techno readers: “Thrane & Thrane’s innovative AVIATOR 200 simultaneously provides data speeds up to 200 kbps and a single AMBE 2 channel for voice calls, providing smaller aircraft with a complete airborne communications solution where this was not achievable before. These data and voice services can be accessed via wired or wireless connections built into the AVIATOR 200, alleviating the need for external wired and wireless routers.” The second part of the hardware equation is the new, small, low-gain, blade antenna – still capable of voice and data speeds up to 200 kbps. We have included a picture of the antenna in this issue and it is perfect for bizjets (Weight: 1.5 lbs., Height: 4.57 in., Length: 11 in., Width: 4.25 in.). Here is the full story.

Next, we came across a report on a hot, 37 page, very detailed UBS Financial document. It was reported in an article in the Seattle PI Blogs with the titillating title: “Airlines Have Ordered Too Many Planes”. Within the body, you can read about some 793 aircraft over-ordered by world airlines and 250 that are supposedly under-ordered. If one believes these numbers, the next 9 months ought to be interesting for IFE vendors! This report seems contrary to recent upturned economic indicators and we wondered if smart folks in our industry had the same opinion? We asked a couple of aviation professionals, and got these answers:

“Regarding passenger demand forecasts, GE’s Ian Gurekian at the 2008 SpeedNews Conference said that, generally speaking, industry passenger demand forecast have been wrong.  Most forecasts show a monotonically rising demand slope in the neighborhood of 3-6% over a couple year period. But he demonstrated that this demand slope almost never happens!  The passenger demand slope is highly volatile.  It ranges from a -3% to a positive 13% over periods as short at one year. This is a very bad forecasting environment so it is no wonder that the number of big jets on order is “over sold.” – John Courtright – SIE

“Have airlines over-ordered new aircraft? I suppose that’s possible. But look at what United did recently. They ordered new aircraft at a time when they could leverage the best OEM pricing. And they weren’t just building a bigger fleet–they were purchasing aircraft that fit their revised business model–one that says fly fewer seats to more destinations and keep the planes full. And they ordered aircraft that were more fuel-efficient, and the orders are spread over what appears to be a realistic timeline. And another and–they might just merge with Continental to bring about a more efficient airline. Delta provides another example–they deferred ordering additional aircraft and reinvested in expanding IFE and improving their cabins. These kinds of decisions do not indicate over-ordering.” Michael Childers – Lightstream Communications.

Ultimately, one reader got it right: “The UBS Wealth Management division has open short sales on Boeing and EADS stock.”

Lastly readers, don’t forget the upcoming AIX in Hamburg, Germany on May 18 – 20. We hope to bring you the latest news in IFE from the floor. And just to prove your IFExpress team go to any length to bring you the lowdown on IFE and connectivity, we are flying to Hamburg via Reykjavik on a B757…GULP!

This week we sorted through a plethora of information bits for our readers to digest and are presenting them here in some order of importance…sorta. The “smiling” face that adorns this issue of IFExpress is that of John Wade, long-time IFE’er. John has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager of Aircell’s Business Aviation Services. As a lifer in IFE, John has been associated with most of the connectivity providers during the turbulent beginnings of the technology. We asked John for a comment and he sends the following; “Aircell’s broadband system is making incredible inroads into the business aviation marketplace. For years operators have been waiting for a system that makes broadband a reality and affordable and we have finally achieved that with the systems we are now deploying.” You can read the full press release here. Congratulations John!

The next infobit comes by way of Russia with the announcement from Aeroflot, which plans in-flight telephony installations later this year. The air carrier will install four aircraft (A320’s and A330’s) by the end of 2010. The Russian communications providers, MegaFon will host the ground hardware with support from their own network and service provision deals with foreign mobile operators that support via roaming agreements. Internet, SMS will be supplied by onboard Wi-Fi, although, we understand voice is optioned. We have heard from one source that service will be GSM format and use 1.8 MHz bandwidth. While we initially thought that one of the European inflight connectivity providers might be first inline to deliver hardware for the ground infrastructure and avionics, we are starting to refocus our thinking on the US connectivity provider, Aircell. Stay Tuned.

Our next target is Boeing. Check out the challenge of cold soak testing of the B787 here.

If you travel and like to keep abreast of the happenings in your home town, you might like to check out this URL and keep it bookmarked for your next trip.

For the IFE contest lovers in our readership, Wired Magazine is looking for a few good soothsayers. If you think you know the future of Inflight Entertainment, perhaps you ought to enter this one.

There seems to be a large number of AIX travelers hesitant about purchasing tickets from the US to Hamburg because of that pesky Icelandic volcano whose name shall forever be a source of spelling and pronunciation challenge to us. It seems that tickets are a bargain so he (or she) who hesitates is left behind!

Lastly, someone sent us this exchange between a tower and an airline crew some years ago and we still fell over laughing:

Tower: “TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 degrees.”
TWA 2341: “Center we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?”
Tower: “Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?”

That’s All Folks!

Appointment Comes as Aircell Experiences Rapid Adoption
of Inflight Internet in Business Aviation Market

BROOMFIELD, CO – April 22, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne
communications, today announced the promotion of John Wade to Executive Vice President
and General Manager, Business Aviation Services.

As a member of Aircell’s executive staff, Mr. Wade is responsible for overseeing the success
and direction of the company’s rapidly growing Business Aviation Services division in
Broomfield, CO. He reports to Michael Small, Aircell’s President and CEO.

Since Mr. Wade joined Aircell in November 2008, the company has launched two significant
new inflight connectivity products in the business aviation market. The Aircell High Speed
Internet system provides full-speed Internet service via the Aircell Network in the continental
U.S., and Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution provides global voice and data connectivity for light
Internet service via the Inmarsat I-4 satellites.

“Aircell is a longstanding provider of airborne communications equipment, service and support
to the business aviation market,” said Aircell CEO Michael Small. “Our momentum in business
aviation is higher than it’s ever been. We began shipping the Aircell High Speed Internet system
in the middle of last year and have already delivered more than 200 systems, with a backlog
extending well beyond that. Systems are performing beyond expectation and the feedback
we’ve had from the market has been extremely positive. Business aviation is a key part of
Aircell’s future and we’re pleased to recognize that by having John assume the executive vice
president role,” he concluded.

Mr. Wade has more than 22 years of experience in avionics and inflight communications. Prior
to joining Aircell, he served as Chief Technical Officer and General Manager at inflight mobile
phone and Internet provider OnAir. He has also held senior executive positions at Tenzing
Communications, PRIMEX Aerospace Company and GEC Marconi In-Flight Systems, among
others. He is the co-author of two patents.

Partners with Aircell for Gogo Internet Service on Embraer Fleet

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Frontier Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET), is pleased to announce it’s taking the inflight customer experience to another level with the addition of Gogo® inflight internet service on its Embraer fleet. Frontier plans to have the service installed on its fleet of 32 E170 and E190 aircraft by the end of 2010.

“Our customers have told us how important inflight entertainment and connectivity is in their travel experience,” said Executive Vice President and COO Wayne Heller. “We look forward to providing our customers with internet service at 35,000 feet and are thrilled to have Aircell as a partner in this effort.”

Gogo internet access will be available for purchase starting at $4.95, based on length of flight and type of device used to access Gogo. Once connected, customers can use Gogo to check e-mail, log into a corporate VPN, watch their favorite Frontier commercials and more!

“We pride ourselves in providing our guests with a comfortable and enjoyable inflight experience,” said Vice President of Marketing and Branding Ian Arthur. “Each of these amenities, combined with our unmatched customer service, truly provides a differentiated and better experience. We always have an ear to our customers’ needs and will continue to develop an airline that meets and exceeds those expectations.”

“We are very excited to partner with Republic Airways and further enhance the inflight entertainment options available on Frontier Airlines,” said Michael Small, Aircell’s President and CEO. “We both share a common focus of service excellence and adding Gogo is simply the latest example of advancing that goal.”

Frontier currently offers 24 channels of DIRECTV® service and first-run pay-per-view movies onboard its fleet of 52 Airbus aircraft. While the Gogo inflight internet service will be installed on the Embraer fleet in 2010, the carrier will continue to research inflight connectivity options to further enhance the Frontier travel experience.

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. — April 21, 2010 — iPass® Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leader in enterprise mobility services, today announced the immediate availability of a new premium inflight Wi-Fi subscription service for its iPass Mobile Network customers. The new service will enable mobile employees to capture lost productivity when they travel via commercial airlines. As part of the new service, mobile employees at iPass customers will be able to use Gogo® Inflight Internet on more than 825 commercial aircraft with their iPass service. Gogo is currently available on all AirTran Airways and Virgin America flights and on select American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, United Airlines and Air Canada flights. iPass expects to add additional inflight Wi-Fi services to its network offering throughout 2010.

Mobile employees can access the new premium inflight connectivity service simply, securely and seamlessly in the same way that they access the iPass Mobile Network today – without setting-up an additional account, entering credit card information or filling out an expense report. Enterprises are able to enforce VPN and endpoint security policies, generate detailed reports on mobile usage, and receive one consolidated bill for all services used.

“For Sabre it is important for us to ensure that our employees have access, when and where they need it, whether at home, in the office or at 30,000 feet,” said Michal Stewart, corporate travel manager at Sabre. “As exciting as inflight Wi-Fi is, it can frequently become an administrative burden for managing a mobile workforce. By bringing Gogo Inflight Internet to the iPass Mobile Network, we can keep tabs on inflight mobility costs and maintain real-time security and policy enforcement at the point of connection.”

As part of the roll-out of the new service, iPass surveyed mobile employees who rely on the iPass Mobile Network service for their connectivity needs, and received more than 2,400 responses. The survey uncovered a resounding demand for inflight Wi-Fi with 63 percent saying it was critical for meeting business needs, especially on flights over one hour. A whopping 87 percent said they would use it if it was part of the iPass Mobile Network service. The full survey results are available here.

“The age of inflight Internet connectivity is here and is a huge productivity win for business travelers who need to stay connected and work securely online while in the air,” said Evan Kaplan, president and CEO of iPass. “Airplanes have been the last bastion of mobile worker downtime and iPass and Gogo Inflight Internet provider Aircell are here to close this gap in a way that meets the simplicity, visibility and control requirements of the enterprise.”

“With Gogo being offered on more than 3,000 daily flights, we continue to see an overwhelmingly positive response from frequent business travelers,” said Michael Small, Aircell’s president and CEO. “By partnering with iPass, we can now bring inflight connectivity to more than 3,500 enterprise customers without requiring the enterprises to change their infrastructure or disrupting the mobile worker’s connectivity experience.”

Pricing and Availability
Gogo Inflight Internet is available immediately to iPass Mobile Network customers choosing to subscribe to the new premium inflight Wi-Fi service. Customers will be charged on a flat rate basis per user, per flight. This price varies based on the length of the flight. There are currently three tiers of flight length: $4.95 for less than 1.5 hours, $9.95 for 1.5 to three hours; and $12.95 for more than three hours. Additional information on the new premium services is available on this link.

TEMPE, Ariz., March 29, 2010 — Today, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) launched a new wireless Internet product, Gogo® Inflight Internet, on five of its Airbus A321 aircraft. Gogo, which is provided by Aircell, allows passengers to use their laptops or Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices to surf the Web, email friends and family, log into corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and access online entertainment options.

By June 1, all 51 A321s in US Airways’ fleet will be Gogo-equipped. As Wi-Fi is installed on each aircraft between now and June, a Wi-Fi symbol on the outside of the plane at the boarding door will alert passengers that Gogo is available on their flight. The symbol will also appear throughout the cabin next to the seat and row number, and seatback cards will provide instructions on how to access the service. Beginning in late June, US Airways’ passengers will be able to determine if Wi-Fi is available on their flight when they book travel on usairways.com.

Here’s how it works: At 10,000 feet, US Airways’ flight attendants will make an announcement that passengers can enable their Wi-Fi devices. Passengers can connect to the service by turning on their laptop or mobile device, looking for and connecting to the ‘gogoginflight’ Wi-Fi signal, launching their Web browser, creating a profile and paying for their session with a major credit card.

“Gogo fits in perfectly with our business model by offering more choices in flight,” said Andrew Nocella, senior vice president, marketing and planning for US Airways. “Our customers are able to be more productive with their time and have new ways to stay entertained in the air.”

“We are pleased to announce US Airways’ deployment of Gogo, and we look forward to providing US Airways with in flight Internet access to enhance their customers’ travel experience,” said Michael Small, Aircell’s president and chief executive officer. “The ability to remain connected to the ground at 30,000 feet provides a significant improvement to the airline travel experience. As travelers throughout the country come to expect in flight Internet service, we are thrilled to be able to deliver this experience to US Airways and their passengers.”

To introduce Gogo, US Airways is allowing customers the chance to try it for free. From March 29 through June 1, first-time Gogo users will get one free session when they create their profile. US Airways will celebrate the completion of its fleet installation by offering free Gogo access to everyone who flies on a Wi-Fi equipped US Airways flight from June 1 through June 8. For more information, visit www.usairways.com/gogo.

*Gogo Inflight Internet is not available internationally. If you’re flying to/from an international city, the service will only be available while over the contiguous 48 U.S. states and within 100 miles of its borders. For more information visit www.usairways.com/gogo.

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines today announced it will offer Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service on all Alaska’s aircraft.

With Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers will be able to browse the Web; access online music, games, podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service will provide passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.

“With more than 730 systems already flying, Aircell has a proven track record of deploying affordable inflight Wi-Fi services to airline customers,” said Steve Jarvis, Alaska’s vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. “Their reliable, lower-cost equipment can be installed quickly, allowing Alaska Airlines to introduce Gogo service to our customers as soon as possible.”

Alaska and Aircell are currently working to install the Gogo service on a Boeing 737-800 and will begin testing to secure certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Once Aircell’s equipment has been certified for Alaska’s 737s, the airline will start outfitting its entire fleet, beginning with its 737-800s serving longer routes.

“Alaska Airlines has a rich history of leveraging innovative technologies to create the best possible customer experience,” said Michael Small, Aircell’s president and chief executive officer. “We are proud they have selected the Gogo service to offer their customers a choice in how they spend their time while traveling. The ability to surf the Net and send e-mail will enhance the inflight experience for Alaska Airlines’ passengers.”

The Gogo system, currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states, will be offered to customers at a cost of $4.95 and up, based on length of flight and device used. To ensure the service is available to the airline’s namesake state, Aircell will expand its network to provide Gogo Inflight Internet service on flights to, from and between key destinations in the state of Alaska.

Last year Alaska Airlines successfully tested a satellite-based inflight Wi-Fi service offered by Row 44. However, the airline ultimately chose Aircell’s Gogo service to speed fleet-wide installation and Wi-Fi availability for customers.

System Provides Full Internet Capabilities on a Standalone Basis; First Installation is Now Complete Aboard a Gulfstream G200

BROOMFIELD, CO – January 26, 2010 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces that the first installation of the company’s new ATG 5000 High Speed Internet unit is now complete aboard a California-based Gulfstream G200 operated by FlightWorks, Inc. The ATG 5000 began shipping last month and the first installation was performed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp’s Dallas Service Center.

The ATG 5000 provides standalone Aircell® High Speed Internet capabilities for customers that don’t require the integrated voice and narrowband data features of Aircell Axxess®. The ATG 5000 can easily be installed alongside existing equipment, saving downtime and reducing installation costs. The system’s combination of features, light weight and small antennas make it an excellent fit for virtually any business aircraft, including light business jets and turboprops. The ATG 5000 is part of Aircell’s diverse, global family of communications solutions.

John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, said, “As we begin 2010, the demand for Inflight Internet continues to accelerate. Our new ATG 5000 offers a new segment of aircraft operators the opportunity to increase their company’s productivity by keeping executives fully connected in flight.”

A complete ATG 5000-based High Speed Internet package is simple and extremely lightweight. It includes an ATG 5000 High Speed Internet LRU (11 lbs, 3 MCU), two belly-mounted blade antennas (1.25 lbs each) and an optional cabin telecommunications router (4 lbs). Wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) in-cabin connection options are available.

The Gulfstream G200 that received the first ATG 5000 is operated by FlightWorks, a diversified aviation services firm with burgeoning worldwide aircraft management and charter operations. Ron Smith, Chief Sales Officer, FlightWorks, said, “We’re pleased to bring the very latest technology to our customers. Especially in this economy, the owner of the G200 sees a full Internet connection as an essential productivity tool in meeting the demands of their business. They’re thrilled with the system’s performance and are already in the process of installing it on their other aircraft.”

Aircell High Speed Internet is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection.

In addition to the Aircell High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband solution for global service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.

New Feature – Managing Multiple Networks Automatically

Aircell also announces that beginning in December 2009, all Aircell ATG 4000 and ATG 5000 High Speed Internet systems include a built-in feature that automatically manages multiple data networks installed aboard an aircraft. Called WAN Management, it enables the aircraft to automatically switch between Aircell High Speed Internet and Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution according to the operator’s pre-set preferences. For example, a typical configuration is to have Aircell High Speed Internet set as the aircraft’s preferred network with an automatic default to SwiftBroadband when the aircraft travels outside the continental U.S. Aircell’s WAN Management function emulates how the latest multi-network consumer devices operate on the ground.

This IFExpress sure looks like an old fax newsletter we used to publish…however, we left out the “Rumors, Rumors, Rumors” bit, sorta.

Sources have told us that Aircell, recently announced the completion of the private placement of equity securities totaling $176m to new and existing investors. The financing will be used to provide funding for capital investments for network expansion and operating needs we hear.

A Senior research analyst with Piper Jaffray, Gene Munster, is forecasting 2010 sales of iPhone and iPod Touch devices to reach 36 million in new sales, an increase over his estimate of 25.7 million for 2009, with the new tablet shipments for 2010 estimated to reach 10M. We expect the new device from Apple to be a table that can be configurable for the 0 – 20 set and 20 up crowd dependant upon what apps you select (buy). This translates to a bigger market share. Add that to the Kindle and Kindle-like devices and travelers will be toting more junk that ever aboard your favorite flight. And speaking of Kindle, when are we going to see that e-reader technology on IFE? For that matter, wouldn’t a Kindle, tether or semi-embedded be a light weight, low power, IFE product? If the TAS bans electronic gadgets, it may!

Re: Last weeks Hot Topic, we received a nice email from Nick Gray, Flight Display Systems; “Nick Gray from Flight Display Systems here. Saw your email on the 52 from ACS and just wanted to note that we have also delivered at least one 52″ HD monitor to a private VIP owner in the Middle East. Other news is our Blu-ray player 2nd generation will be released soon. It is already installed on many aircraft with happy VIP customers. Thanks – we all love reading your site and the emails. Nick.” Check out his website below…very nice.

A long-time reader wrote us: “If we all go back to horse and buggy, there would a lot less danger in travel for everyone, right? Between the TSA, the FAA, and people who demand perfect safety and security, we might as well close up shop. Even at my place of work now, and I suspect in others, there are people who say that the best way to get from here to there (as in participating in ARINC or WAEA meetings) is to drive if it’s local; take the train if it ‘domestic’; and fly only because ships take too long . . . . . what kind of endorsement is that of our industry?” He has a point.

Next, some housekeeping:

The usually excellent Inmarsat Aero Conference is set for April 20 – 23 in San Francisco this year. It looks like the focus is on Swift Broadband, but don’t forget the crab, cioppino, and the Coit Tower as well. See link below.

An industry source told us that Bill Peltola has popped up on the radar again, this time at Panasonic as Director, CGS Operations and Planning. No doubt, he will be heading to SoCal in the near future. If his email follows standard Panasonic protocol you should be able to contact him at bill.petola@panasonic.aero, or you can probably find him at the bar at the Inmarsat conference mentioned above!

Clark Snyder, S VP, Thales has retired. If we ever hear back from him about his whereabouts and contact information we will pass it along.

Inmarsat Conference 2010: http://www.regonline.co.uk/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=805097

Flight Display Systems: http://www.flightdisplay.com/

HOUSTON, Dec. 16 — Continental Airlines today announced that, beginning in the second quarter 2010, it will offer Gogo Inflight Internet service on its fleet of 21 Boeing 757-300 aircraft that primarily serve domestic routes.

“We’ve been closely watching technology developments to offer onboard connectivity for our customers,” said Mark Bergsrud, Continental’s senior vice president of marketing programs. “We are excited to be able to offer our customers Internet service, giving them the ability to connect to colleagues, friends and family and work, learn and play while flying.”

The new Gogo Inflight Internet service will provide customers full Internet access on their own standard, Wi-Fi equipped laptop or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground. Customers will be able to sign up and log in once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet. The Gogo system, powered by the Aircell Network and available in the continental U.S., will be available to customers at a cost from $4.95 and up, based on length of flight.

“Aircell and Continental share a common focus on putting our customers first,” said Ron LeMay, Aircell’s President and CEO. “The addition of Gogo Inflight Internet service to Continental’s suite of amenities is simply the latest example of the airline’s ongoing commitment to service excellence, and we’re proud to be part of that. Soon, Continental’s passengers will be able to use Gogo to do virtually anything they want on the Internet — e-mail, chat, poke, tweet, download, upload, shop. In short, flying time is about to become their time.”

Continental Airlines is the world’s fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,400 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 130 domestic and 132 international destinations.

Continental is a member of Star Alliance, which provides access to more than 900 additional points in 169 countries via 24 other member airlines. With more than 41,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with its regional partners, carries approximately 63 million passengers per year. For more company information, go to continental.com.

Elves, Mrs. Claus Pleased With Expected Operational Benefits and Real-Time Communication; Santa Thrilled With Weather Tracking Capabilities

Itasca, IL – December 21, 2009 – Little St. Nick just received a big upgrade, making it easier than ever for Santa Claus to come to town. Thanks to a recent Gogo Inflight Internet installation, Santa’s sleigh will be equipped with the same speedy Internet service that thousands of travelers use every day.

Citing previous communication delays with both the elves and Mrs. Claus, Santa put in a request this year for a Christmas present of his own: to equip his sleigh with Inflight Internet. The elves went to work, partnering with Aircell – the leading provider of inflight connectivity and creator of Gogo Inflight Internet – to ready Santa’s sleigh for this year’s trip.

The sleigh was Gogo-equipped after just one overnight at the workshop. “I was impressed with the speedy installation, although I can get quite a lot done in one night as well,” said Santa with a wink in his eye.

Santa went on to express his excitement that his Christmas Eve journey will run more smoothly and efficiently than ever, thanks to his newfound connectivity. “Now I can instant message with the elves inflight with last minute updates and to keep everything running on schedule,” Santa declared. “I can also update my Facebook page so Mrs. Claus will know when I’ll be home. What I’m most excited about, though, is the ability to check weather patterns inflight and avoid delays that might mar my perfect delivery record.”

In addition to letting Santa Claus check weather, keep in touch with loved ones and surf the Web when the sleigh is on autopilot, the Gogo service will also serve as backup support to Rudolph, who no longer will be Santa’s only line of defense against foggy Christmas Eves.

Santa first became aware of Inflight Internet after taking several Gogo-equipped flights this past year. According to Tom Weigman, Executive Vice President, Wireless Services, Aircell, “When the elves reached out to us with a request that Aircell equip Santa’s sleigh, they said he had tried Gogo and enjoyed updating the Naughty & Nice List from 35,000 feet. After using the service a few more times to check weather patterns and eBay holiday specials, Santa knew he didn’t want to be without it on Christmas Eve.”

Travelers throughout the country can also experience Gogo for themselves on all AirTran and Virgin America flights, as well as hundreds of Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada flights – starting at $4.95 – this holiday season and throughout the New Year.

“Merry Christmas to all,” exclaimed Santa, “and to all a good flight.”

CHICAGO, Nov. 23, 2009 – Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holidays, United Airlines customers on transcontinental p.s. (SM) flights can enjoy a complimentary onboard Internet session with the new Try-Before-You-Buy promotion, offered in conjunction with airborne communications provider Aircell.

Through Dec. 31, first-time users of Aircell’s Gogo ® Inflight Internet service will be offered one free session upon creating a new account.

Gogo enables customers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs to surf the Web, check e-mail, send and receive instant messages, and access a corporate VPN.

The service is available on all of United’s p.s. flights between New York Kennedy and the airline’s Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs.

“Gogo Inflight Internet service on our p.s. flights provides our customers with an even more productive and enjoyable travel experience,” says Allen Will, managing director of strategic aircraft programs. “With Gogo Inflight Internet and an AC power port at every seat, p.s. customers will get more accomplished in the air this holiday season, leaving time for more holiday cheer on the ground.”

For more information on United’s inflight Internet service, visit united.com/Wi-Fi.

About United

United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 1,071 destinations in 171 countries worldwide. United’s 47,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company’s Web site at united.com.

*Based on United’s forward-looking flight schedule for October 2009 to October 2010.

MONTREAL, Nov. 19 – Air Canada said today it has begun trials to offer its customers Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service on board select flights on the carrier’s Toronto-Los Angeles and Montreal-Los Angeles routes.

“Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to begin offering customers access to the internet while they are flying,” said Louise McKenven, Senior Director, Marketing, at Air Canada. “With this service, our customers will be able to email, work and surf the net while flying, and more fully enjoy what is already a superior travel experience that includes complimentary seatback entertainment and access to standard power outlets.”

Following the test period which runs until January 29, 2010, Air Canada will analyze usage and customer feedback before it proceeds with introduction of the service on other routes.

“This initial phase is intended to get our customers’ feedback about this exciting new service. The ultimate rollout of our inflight internet service will be finalized pending the outcome of the trial period as well as obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and the development of ground infrastructure in Canada to provide a domestic network,” added Ms. McKenven.

“We are very pleased to launch Gogo on Air Canada, the first Canadian airline to offer Inflight Internet,” stated Ron LeMay, Aircell President and CEO. “Air Canada’s customers will now feel the freedom of having the world at their fingertips thanks to having full Internet access in flight. We look forward to working with Air Canada to deliver that world to them.”

Customers can access the service using their own standard, Wi-Fi equipped laptop at a cost of US $9.95 per flight or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at a cost of US $7.95 per flight.

Initially, the Gogo system will be powered by Aircell’s existing network and only available in the continental U.S. in order to make Air Canada’s rollout fast, economical and simple. Air Canada intends to extend the system on other routes in North American with the deployment of the Canadian Air-To-Ground (ATG) network. Aircell plans to collaborate with the Canadian ATG licensee in supporting the establishment of a Canadian ATG network and in facilitating the fleet-wide deployment of Air Canada’s onboard connectivity service.

About Air Canada

—————-

Montreal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is the 13th largest commercial airline in the world and serves 33 million customers annually. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network.

About Aircell

————-

Aircell(R) is the world’s leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, Gogo(R), revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell’s vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight(R). For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.

About Gogo

———-

Gogo(R), powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit www.gogoinflight.com. You can also follow ‘gogoInflight’ on Twitter (www.twitter.com/gogoinflight) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/gogoinflight).

Aircell’s Gogo Inflight Internet Surpasses Its One Millionth Customer

Ongoing Aircraft Deployment, Rapid Acceleration in Customer Adoption and Continued Strong Customer Satisfaction Put Two Millionth Customer in Early 2010

ITASCA, Ill., Nov. 19 — As recently as last year, people wondered whether the Internet could ever be successfully delivered to a broad audience in flight. Proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way, Aircell took up the challenge and has never looked back. Over the past year, Aircell has steadily increased the daily number of airplanes deployed with Gogo® Inflight Internet service and today, is providing service on more than 600 commercial aircraft.

With the growing availability of Gogo, passengers are increasingly able to connect in-flight and are doing so at an accelerating rate. Starting on only a handful of planes a year ago, availability and usage have expanded rapidly and Gogo served its one millionth customer in October 2009. At the current rate of expansion and with users fast approaching 100,000 per week, the two millionth user is now expected to be reached in January 2010.

“While public debates continue regarding whether passengers will pay for the service, the hundreds of thousands of paid Gogo sessions every month have answered that question,” said Ron LeMay, Aircell President and CEO.

“By recognizing this milestone and the rapid growth curve we are on, we are celebrating the countless ways Inflight Internet has changed – and enhanced – the flying experience,” added LeMay. “Our customers are not just e-mail checkers and instant-messagers who use Gogo to quickly accomplish a task and then log off. They are also Facebook and Twitter fanatics, fantasy football moguls, photo-uploaders, music-downloaders and video-watchers. Gogo is their ‘time machine,’ making time fly by as they are able to immerse themselves in the things that matter most to them. They log onto Gogo as soon as the plane reaches 10,000 feet and don’t log off until they have to. In fact, they spend twice as much time on Gogo as a visitor to the average ground-based hot spot.”

It is clear that the rapid expansion of Gogo Inflight Internet is due to the quality and speed of the service and the superior customer experience it delivers. In a recent survey conducted by Lucidity Research, more than 90 percent of respondents stated that they were fully satisfied with their Gogo experience. In addition, the vast majority of air travelers who’ve used Gogo indicate they are likely to recommend it to others and attest to this by using it again and again themselves. At this still early stage more than 30 percent of the people who log onto Gogo each day are repeat users, and that figure is climbing daily.

“Having recently found in our own studies that a large number of airline passengers would rather have Internet than meals in-flight, it’s not surprising to see the take rates Gogo has experienced,” said Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director of the Wi-Fi Alliance. “Travelers want to use Wi-Fi in flight so they can stay connected with their offices, colleagues, friends and families on the ground. They see tremendous value in the service and are not only willing to pay for it, but are also likely to become repeat customers and champions of the service.”

About Aircell

Aircell is the world’s leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell® Network and its inflight portal, Gogo®, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell’s vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.

About Gogo

Gogo®, powered by Aircell®, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit www.gogoinflight.com. You can also follow ‘gogoInflight’ on Twitter (www.twitter.com/gogoinflight) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/gogoinflight).

DUBAI, UAE [Dubai Airshow 2009] – November 13, 2009 – Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, announces that it has expanded its worldwide presence by appointing Shoukry Shokralla as its sales & service representative in Abu Dhabi.

In his new role, Shokralla is responsible for supporting existing Aircell operators in the region and assisting prospective customers with their airborne communications needs. He will also provide Tier 1 support services, supplementing Aircell’s existing infrastructure in Europe and elsewhere in the world. He reports to Andrew Geist, Senior Vice President – Business Aviation Solutions.

Shokralla has over 28 years of experience in avionics and communications services and has extensive knowledge in marketing and technical disciplines. Fluent in Arabic, French and English, he is an experienced, FAA-certified pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from California State University, Northridge, in the United States.

John Wade, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aircell, commented, “Even with the challenges of the current economic climate, business aviation continues to experience growth in the Middle East. Aircell is a global company and it’s important for us to provide comprehensive support and local representation in such a key region. We’re delighted to have Shoukry join the Aircell team. His decades of avionics and communications experience and market knowledge will be invaluable as Aircell expands its activities in the region.”

Aircell offers a complete line of airborne communications systems and services. For global connectivity using laptops and smartphones, Aircell’s new SwiftBroadband solution is particularly suited to business aircraft operators in the Middle East. It allows passengers to seamlessly use their personal devices for e-mail and light Internet services in flight. They can also use the system’s integrated cabin handsets to make and receive voice calls. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband solution is powered by Thrane & Thrane.

Aircraft operators and dealers may reach Shoukry Shokralla directly at +971.50.318.0320 or sshokralla@aircell.com.